I Didn't know they had a free version, I've had good luck with Nero in the past. Thank you for this. Additionally, I like the fact that they explicitly state Windows 7 compatibility.
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Dan RigbyAug 28 '09 at 1:27

Ahh, Nero ... the memories. i haven't been using Nero since v6.6.15 or so, i found the notion to install 1.8 GB of code to burn some disks rather apalling :)
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Molly7244Aug 28 '09 at 1:27

Nero has become very bloaty with recent releases. Hopefully if the free version has restricted functionality it will be smaller. I have to admit that I haven't tried it so I can't confirm either way.
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Dave WebbAug 28 '09 at 1:32

I'm still investigating. The free version is a much smaller download (50MB vs 350MB) and the UI is clean, but I'm still determining if you can actually burn an image with it...
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Dan RigbyAug 28 '09 at 1:42

1

just be careful during the installation with Nero 9 Essentials, or your web browser will sport the lovely ask.com toolbar :)
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Molly7244Aug 28 '09 at 1:42

The three I really like and can never choose between (and usually install them all :S)

Isorecorder A tiny program (uses native Windows functions, so it is just a GUI to features that already exist) that allows you to create ISO files easily by right clicking on a folder, and from there you can burn Iso's to DVD's and CD's very efficiently.

CDBurnerXP A good program that supports many different types/formats and works well.

All of these programs I believe (well, think) use native Windows functions and do not install any drivers.

I personally use Isorecorder for the small jobs where everything is in one place and I just need to copy it to a cd/dvd QUICK.

CDBurnerXP When my requirements are slightly higher such as creating a CD that involves files from many different sources, or need to burn from a non iso/standard format.

Deep Burner Personally I just keep this on a USB stick, I used to use it all the time, but I find myself using CDBurnerXP more and more. As this is a portable utility, it sometimes just comes in very handy.

+1 Just because its the first burning utility I've seen that comes in a 64bit version. However, it seems like the "verify the image after burning" feature is not enabled. \-:
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Dan RigbyAug 28 '09 at 1:24

you do have to check that off, and uncheck eject disk after writing.
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alpha1Aug 28 '09 at 1:33

It's interesting that ImgBurn didn't work for you. I use it on my Win7 box just fine. Perhaps it's a driver/firmware issue? In any case, may be worth it to check out http://www.firmwarehq.com/ for new firmware for your drive.

I don't actually think it was ImgBurn's fault. I burned another coaster with Nero last night too. Then I just gave up. Both apps detected errors when it came to disc verification. I actually did try upgrading the drive's firmware but it didn't solve the problem.
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Dan RigbyAug 28 '09 at 17:41

Sounds to me like the DVD Burner is going bad. I had the same issues at home and I just replaced the burner. I got an ASUS one from newegg.com for $25, it's been working fine since then.
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HondalexJun 16 '10 at 21:35